Four Great Places to Drink Coffee in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is well known for its coffee shops, which, famously, sell more than just coffee. But if the only stimulant you’re after is caffeine and maybe a pastry, we’ve got you covered. These four cafés serve some of the best coffee in Amsterdam.

Bocca

For most of its history Bocca has been focused on wholesale roasting, but its Amsterdam café is something of a showroom for the company, and is without a doubt one of the most impressive places to drink coffee in Amsterdam. When we visited, the Gesha Village 2018 harvest was absolutely singing as a pour-over (which broke our hearts a little when we learned they were out of retail bags). With two La Marzocco espresso machines, an extensive brew bar, and even an on-site training room, this expansive café space is a must-visit for any coffee enthusiast.

Caffénation

The dream of the 90s is alive at Caffénation. The Amsterdam-location for longtime Antwerp roastery has that punk rock vibe that will make you nostalgic for the days before minimalism took over café design. Sure, the baristas are a little rough around the edges (we heard the barista inform a large group that came in he would be with them after a cigarette break, this was before barking at another customer “no pictures”), but it’s small price to pay for a perfectly steamed cappuccino.

4850

It seems the Scandinavian invasion of Dutch coffee culture is just about complete, and there’s perhaps no better place to see that on full display than newly-opened 4850. The simple but refined food menu features an array of sourdough-based brunch classics, like eggs Benedict and French toast. The coffee, roasted by Copenhagen’s April Coffee, is impeccably prepared on Hario V60s or as espresso. With no batch brew option, however, waits can get long on the weekend, so make sure to beat the brunch crowd if you’re in a hurry.

Coffee Bru

Full disclosure: we found Coffee Bru entirely by accident, and went in mostly because we ran into our friends from Baratza at a table inside. But we’re glad we took the chance: with a colorful, tropical vibe and plentiful outdoor seating, Coffee Bru is the sort of neighborhood café any neighborhood would be lucky to have. Coffee comes from local roaster Rum Baba and is prepared on a teal La Marzocco Linea PB.

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About Michael

Michael Butterworth is a coffee educator, consultant, and writer. He cofounded the Coffee Compass mostly as an excuse to visit more coffee shops. Michael is a two-time USBC Competitor, licensed Q Grader, and was once the 4th best Aeropresser in America. For consulting enquiries please visit butterworth.coffee.